Zhang Jiao and the Taiping Dao

During the reign of Emperor Ling of the Eastern Han Dynasty (168–189 AD), the Taiping Dao (Way of Great Peace) emerged in Julu, Hebei, led by Zhang Jiao (?–184 AD) from Julu (modern-day Pingxiang, Hebei). The Taiping Dao's ideology was rooted in the Taiping Jing (Scripture of Great Peace), which originated from Gan Zhongke and Yu Ji.

During the Western Han Emperor Cheng's reign (32–7 BC), Gan Zhongke, a fangshi (Daoist master), combined Huang-Lao Daoism with Confucian prophetic teachings to create the Tianguan Li Baoyuan Taiping Jing in 12 volumes. He claimed it was revealed by the immortal Chijingzi to save the Han Dynasty. Although Gan and his follower Xia Heliang were executed for "heresy," their teachings spread secretly among the people. By the Eastern Han, these texts evolved into Yu Ji's Taiping Qingling Shu (170 volumes), which was presented to Emperor Shun but rejected as "heretical." Zhang Jiao later inherited and expanded upon this scripture.

Zhang Jiao, calling himself the "Great Virtuous Teacher," propagated the Taiping Dao, using talismans, healing rituals, and repentance practices to attract followers. Within a decade, his movement grew to hundreds of thousands across eight provinces, forming a massive religious and political force. Amid widespread corruption and natural disasters, Zhang Jiao envisioned a "Great Peace" society, advocating mutual aid and opposing exploitation by wealthy elites.

Organizing his followers into military units called "Fang" (36 divisions, each led by a "Qushai"), Zhang Jiao planned a nationwide uprising on March 5, 184 AD, under the slogan, "The Blue Sky (Han Dynasty) has perished; the Yellow Sky (Taiping Dao) shall rise. In the Jiazi year, there will be prosperity under heaven." The rebels, known as the Yellow Turban Army, attacked officials, burned government offices, and raided estates of the wealthy, shaking the empire. Though the rebellion was eventually suppressed, many Taiping Dao followers joined Cao Cao's army, significantly boosting his military power, while others integrated into the Zhengyi Mengwei Dao.